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Parents demand Scotland bans phones in schools to protect children

Feb 5, 2026, 7:38 PM20
(Update: Feb 8, 2026, 6:00 AM)
council area of Scotland
legislative body of government

Parents demand Scotland bans phones in schools to protect children

  • Parents in Scotland are urging for a ban on smartphones in schools urging safety for children from harmful online content.
  • Campaigners are expressing concerns over the inconsistency of current mobile phone policies across local councils.
  • The implementation of phone bans in schools is seen as essential to improve student well-being and create safer learning environments.
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In Scotland, parents are advocating for an urgent ban on mobile phones in schools to shield children from the dangers of online content, particularly disturbing material on social media. Campaigners from the Smartphone Free Childhood group recently met with Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth at the Scottish Parliament to discuss their concerns and experiences. They argue that smartphones pose risks to children's mental health, behavior, and overall safety in education settings. The group pointed out that in many cases, local councils individually decide whether to implement phone restrictions, leading to a 'postcode lottery' regarding children's safety. Hannah Oertel, a founder of Delay Smartphones, expressed her apprehension about children's exposure to harmful online content, emphasizing the pervasive nature of these issues, not limited to specific schools or regions. Similarly, regional leader John McGill highlighted that the inconsistency of smartphone bans across councils creates unfair environments for children. Both speakers conveyed a growing urgency among parents and educators regarding the harms associated with smartphone usage, which they believe is detrimental to children's learning experiences. In contrast, other countries, like Singapore, have enacted stricter regulations by imposing complete bans on mobile device usage during school hours. Schools in Singapore have reported increased student engagement and physical activity resulting from these policies. Students who initially found it challenging to adapt to the absence of phones have reported improved focus in class and more meaningful social interactions. Jenny Gilruth acknowledged the concerns raised at the meeting, affirming the importance of listening to parents and their experiences concerning education. While she noted that several councils are adopting full bans in line with existing national guidance, she also mentioned that internet regulation falls under the UK Government's jurisdiction, highlighting the need for broader controls to safeguard children from online dangers. The ongoing dialogue between parents, educators, and policymakers reflects a pressing need to reevaluate smartphone policies in schools to create safer and more conducive learning environments for all students.

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